Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Ramadan. Regardless of what you're celebrating this season, it probably isn't as good anymore as it was when you were a kid. I don't know if I'm the only one feeling this way, but I feel as though the holidays just are not as special as they were when I was a kid. I have no winter break to look forward to, I could not resist signing up for double time at work for Christmas and over time for all other holidays, and now that I'm not living at home I don't see my family as often to get into that holiday spirit that I normally would have.
I believe it started when I was 16, when I started my pursuit in retail. Everyone buying gifts, luxury items, simply because it's "the holiday season." With an Irish-Catholic background, we were always taught to give rather than to receive, something that capitalism took advantage of in order to sell more. Where are the ideals of the holidays, the wonders of winter that as a kid mystified me?
Waking up on Christmas to see what's under the tree, the idea of Santa Claus. For my Jewish friends it was gathering with their loved ones for eight nights in a row, with gradual presents being given each time. The winter was always a time for connection, for unity. Now that I'm older I just do not feel those same ideals the same way that I was a kid. Maybe it was losing family over the years, but there was no more going to a relative's house for dinner and celebration.
For me last Christmas was spent in the hospital with my dying grandmother, a bit of a cliche to say but it turned me into a real Grinch. Now that I can make over twenty dollars an hour this Christmas, the money has been drawing me towards distancing myself from those I care about, instead of towards them. The worst part is that when taken to social media, most people my age are seeing a lack of holiday spirit this year. Countless tweets have been about "this year does not really feel like Christmas." The tragedy is the malice towards the Holidays this year. There's more of an "eh," feeling when December 25th rolls around for those who celebrate it. Or go to the movies and treat it as if it was any other day. Ba hum bug, where is the holiday spirit and the wonder?
Probably in the toilet. Maybe this is a part of growing up, the old things that gave you that ecstatic feeling just don't rub you the same way as they used to. Regardless of what you're celebrating this year, I hope it feels the way it did when you were in elementary school. I yearn for getting out of school for a week, playing in the snow with the kids I grew up with in my neighborhood or playing with my new toys excited to celebrate the New Year. However I digress, one day I'll be on the other side of the camera, seeing my family I start up and my children getting that excited and hyper when coming down on Christmas. Ringing in the New Year with the same vigor that I did when I was younger.
The holidays suck if you're in them for the wrong reasons. Whether you're working, or happily reminiscing on the past and hopeful future with those you love, try and get into that holiday spirit again! It's not as simple as it sounds, but keep whatever traditions you have alive. Call up a relative you haven't seen in a while. Donate to reputable charities, do something for the homeless. Check on your neighbors who do not have any family. If the spirit of the holidays is to give rather than to receive, then give your heart out and fuel your holiday spirit.
